Long live King Charles III.
Two years after succeeding her mother following her unfortunate death, the current English monarch will now see his likeness used in British currency. He’s now part of the new banknotes that just entered circulation.
However, don’t expect to see these notes become commonplace just yet. Many experts believe that it will take at least a year before they replace most of the outgoing notes.
Gradually replacing the existing notes featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Bank of England’s newly issued banknotes will be introduced as demand increases or as older notes become worn or damaged.
King Charles III is only the second monarch to be depicted on these notes, following Queen Elizabeth II who appeared on them first in 1960.
While shoppers can still use the current £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes bearing the late Queen’s portrait, the reverse side of the polymer Bank of England banknotes remains unchanged, featuring iconic figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing in ascending order. Meanwhile, notes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland feature distinct images instead of the monarch.
With the new notes now spreading, many collectors are using this opportunity to keep a copy of one of the first to be printed in circulation.